Auto Mechanic|Car Repair|Auto Body Shop|Auto Repair

Cars and trucks have gotten much more complex over the years; gone are the days when everyone could work on their cars in their own garage or back yard. Today's technology in vehicles, from electronics and computer chips to increased fuel efficiency, means that vehicles are sometimes just too complex and time consuming for the average DIYer.

Finding the best mechanics to provide auto repair services is absolutely essential. Keeping your vehicles on the road and not stuck in the shop is extremely important; for many people, their vehicles are their livelihood. In order to get the best auto services, look for an ASE certified mechanic for all of your auto repair and maintenance work.

What Is An ASE Certified Mechanic?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence runs a comprehensive program to certify trained personnel. An ASE certified mechanic must pass a comprehensive exam, have two years of on the job training and work experience, and must pass a refresher exam every five years. Furthermore, the best mechanics can shoot for the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition program and specialize in key automotive areas, such as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, collision repair, and more.

Why Should You Use An ASE Certified Mechanic?

Certification is an excellent way to vet a potential service provider. A garage that only employs certified personnel is staffed with employees with the proven auto repair knowledge and skills that are vital for working on today's cars, trucks, and SUVs.

There is nothing worse than having to bring your vehicle back to a garage for repairs if the job wasn't done right the first time. Certified repair personnel are trained and experienced to be able to diagnose and solve problems the first time.

One of the best reasons to stick with a certified professional for your auto repair and maintenance needs is safety. Having a well running vehicle is important to you and your family's safety. Breaking down on the road can be a dangerous situation and break downs always seem to occur at the worst place and at the worst time. You can't prevent 100% of break downs ahead of time, but you can certainly play it safe by having professional perform regular preventative maintenance on your vehicle.

Long Term Benefits Of Quality Car Care

In the end, receiving the best possible car care will keep your vehicle on the road longer and save you money. A vehicle that receives regular maintenance, running at peak performance, will get better gas mileage and cost less in repairs. And ultimately, the more miles you can put on your vehicle, the better value you will get from the down payment and monthly payments. Preventative maintenance and repairs done by a professional ASE certified mechanic are essential to getting the most out of your vehicle.

Emergencies arrive without notice at the most surprising time and in unexpected places. Imagine yourself driving in a desolate area at 1:00 am and suddenly something went wrong, driving and handling your car seems difficult and your tire just exploded. You also remember that the last house you passed by was almost more than 10 kilometers away. In this situation, preparedness is the only way out.

Having a roadside emergency kit can take you out from being stuck for a long time and even save your life. Either short or especially long distance driving, your vehicle must have some stuffs to help you in emergency situations. However, not all people carry an emergency kit and truth is, most actually don't have one kept in their trunks. To come prepared for any emergency that might happen along your way, keep the items on this list as part of your emergency roadside kit.

1. Cash instead of credit cards or ATMs will be a lot of help as not all places have ATM machines and stores that accept credit cards.


2. Bottles of water, for drinking and repair purposes. Water will definitely help during engine overheating and when your battery water runs out.


3. Ready to eat food like crackers, peanut butter, oatmeal, granola bars or other energy food. Don't include foods that spoils easily as you wouldn't know when an emergency would happen.


4. First aid kit with some medicines like aspirin and Tylenol, bandages, scissors, gauzes, hot and cold compresses, burn cream, and antibiotic ointments


5. Extra blanket for those living in cold places and during cold season.


6. Extra clothes so you won't have to wear one you're wearing for the whole time you got stranded.


7. Flash light and spare batteries to help you properly repair your vehicle when it's dark.


8. Battery Powered Radio for updates in cases where there is a typhoon or other calamity.


9. Knife, preferably a Swiss army knife can do more other than simple cutting and slicing.


10. For drivers who always bring their kids along, diapers, toys, and other children's necessity


11. Jumper cables, preferably 12-foot in length to help when you drain your battery because of turning on the lights or your other car features.


12. Spare tire and jack can help you get back to the road if your problem is damaged or flat tire.


13. Spare fuses will help restore your lights on after a blown fuse.


14. Duct tape can temporarily fix many things like broken hoses, windshield wiper, windows, and act as temporary cover to some tanks, and many others.


15. Headlamp or tail light for extensive travels to replace lights that might go out during the lengthy travel. In construction, LED lights live longer than halogen ones.


16. Basic tool kit with pliers, screw drivers, hammer, wrenches, and a socket set fitting your car


17. A set of flares will help you alert other drivers that your vehicle has broken down. It might help prevent accidents and will save your life and the life of the passengers in vehicles that may come across yours.


18. Pocket warmers or small propane burners for snowy places or during winter season.


19. A gallon of antifreeze is a must especially if its winter. Low level of coolant can cause severe engine damage so it's best to always have a refill on hand.


20. Rain Coat, umbrella, and other rain gear will help you not to get sick when get off the car when it's raining or when the winter wind is blowing.

You may find this list filled with so much stuff to bring, but you surely can put everything in a nylon bag or at least in a plastic container. Your trunk is big enough to keep your only way out of roadside emergencies.

Let's face it, there are a lot of things that can wrong with your vehicle and often the first tell tale signs of trouble are overlooked. One sign you should be paying attention to however if you want to avoid a costly car repair bill down the road is what is leaking from under your vehicle.

Car leaks can be subtle and unless you park in the same spot consistently, the subtle leak may go undetected by you. Or you simply hope or presume that any leak is okay and if your vehicle is still running, you simply don't worry a whole lot about it. However a leak is your car's way of telling you something is wrong and the sooner you address what is wrong, the better your car repair prospects will be.

There are a few basic fluids that go into every vehicle to make it run smoothly and these fluids ideally should not leak out. Oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiant coolant are some of these fluids. You can generally tell what is leaking by the color of the fluid and where it is leaking from if you can determine a location.

If the fluid is a bright green it is likely radiant coolant. If you don't change your radiant coolant every 3,500 miles however the fluid can be a light or medium brown color which can be a little harder to identify.

Windshield wiper fluid can be just about any color from green, pink, yellow or orange and finding this leaking is usually just a result of over filling the holding tank too much.

Red fluid is usually power steering fluid which will affect your ability to handle the steering in your automobile, or it can be transmission fluid. Either way, if your automobile is leaking red, you need to have a mechanic look at it and diagnose what is leaking and why before your automobile becomes non-operable.

Brake oil can be a clear oily substance or it can be yellow or brown, depending on how old it is. You will usually find this by the wheels of your automobile if it is brake oil. If your brake oil is leaking, it is probably a problem with your master cylinder and your brakes may have trouble working properly if you continue to drive.

Amber colored liquid can be fresh oil, while a brown or black liquid can be used oil. An oil leak is usually the most common fluid leak and can be the result of a wide variety of car repair issues.

The long and the short of it is, unless you know the leak is simply windshield wiper fluid, which is the only leak you can really ignore, the rule of thumb is to have a mechanic diagnose your leak and make sure it's not an indicator of a bigger problem down the road.

Prospective buyers have an option of either buying a pre-owned car or buying a brand new car. Prospective buyer's choice depends upon his or her budget, finance option and personal preferences. Buying a pre-owned car is slightly different from walking into a showroom and buying a brand new automobile. Buyers tend to miss few essential aspects while buying pre-owned cars. Here, is the checklist of few crucial parameters that the prospective buyers must keep in mind while buying an used car.

Budget: It is crucial to have an approximate budget in mind before searching for pre-owned cars. Auto experts recommend that buyers keep at least 20% buffer on the budget for negotiations. Setting a budget helps the buyers in short listing the automobiles that fall in their purchasing abilities.

Type of the car: One must also list down at least two to three different brands, models and make of cars. For example, if the client is planning to buy a pre-owned sedan in the budget of around 2-3 lakhs then he or she may opt for a Hyundai Accent or a Ford Fiesta. One must also take into account the year in which the car was manufactured.

Inspection: Buyers must take out time for inspecting the car after deciding on the type and the model of the car. One must look out for any scratches, dents or patch work on the exterior of the vehicle. It is best to take a local mechanic along for the inspection. One must also inspect the car for any signs of rust or corrosion. After inspecting the exteriors, one must also inspect the interiors of the automobile. Stained car seat covers or old music system can be a strong point for price negotiation. One should closely inspect the electrical fittings and instrument cluster. Do not forget to inspect the car engine.

Test drive: Once the inspection is completed satisfactorily, the buyer must insist on a test drive. One must spend at least thirty minutes for test-driving the vehicle. The vehicle should be driven on different landscapes in order to understand the performance and efficiency. Look out for any unusual noise or vibration during the test drive. Test drive also helps in checking the functioning of odometer and air conditioning system.

Document check: Every buyer must verify that the seller has legitimate documents for the car. One must ask for purchase agreement, loan agreement, car registration documents and insurance related documents before negotiating the price. Buy the vehicle only if the seller furnishes all the legitimate documents.

Last but not the least; do not forget to negotiate the pricing or the terms in order to get the best deal.

Whether you are a homebody or an adventurer, a big talker or the silent type, the trucking industry offers career options for you.

Take transport training to become a trucker

There are many reasons to be attracted to trucking as a career, not the least of which is stability. Like many countries, Canada is dependent on the graduates of auto training schools who work as truckers for the transport of most of our goods, including such basics as food and clothing. But not everyone has what it takes to succeed at this career.

Anyone contemplating an auto training school's truck driver training program should ask themselves the following questions:

- Are they independent? Auto training schools prepare students for a life in which they must spend a lot of time on the road. This requires internal motivation and regulation.

- Are their families supportive? Auto training schools prepare students for a working life in which they may spend a lot of time away from home. Prospective students of truck training programs should evaluate how well their friends and loved ones will tolerate (and, ideally, support) their absences.

Choosing another transport path: auto mechanic course

Some people love the transportation industry, but aspire to a career in a garage rather than on the road. What kind of personality may be well suited to an auto mechanic course?

Anyone contemplating an auto mechanic course should ask themselves the following questions:

- Are they good with their hands? There is a reason that the word "mechanic" is in the name " auto mechanic course." Working with vehicles still requires a certain mechanical aptitude. If you love tinkering with vehicles, appliances, etc., this may be the transportation career path for you.

- Are they good with computers? Increasingly, students who enroll in an auto mechanic course will realize that a large part of the curriculum has to do with mastering computer technology. Vehicles today have a large electronic component.

A communications-focused transportation career: dispatcher training

There is another option for people contemplating a career in transportation: dispatcher training. Dispatchers control communications at trucking companies. They assign drivers to routes, loads to drivers, etc. They are the go-between between clients and drivers.

Anyone contemplating taking dispatcher training should ask themselves the following questions:

- Are they good communicators? Dispatcher training teaches students how to oversee communications between drivers and clients. Dispatchers have to speak clearly, listen well and be comfortable using a variety of communications tools, including the two-way radio.

- Are they organized? Dispatcher training also prepares students to keep logs for their organizations. They must keep careful track of their drivers and their loads. This takes organizational skills.

As you can see, auto training schools can help prepare people for a variety of exciting career paths.

In the past, if you wanted to be a mechanic, you simply found someone under whom you could apprentice. Today, things are different. Increasingly, to secure a good job as a mechanic requires general mechanic training from a recognized school. And that's not all. Depending on your intended area of practice, you may need to bolster your training further with an old-style apprenticeship or possibly even additional, more specialized training, for example, from the manufacturer of a certain make of vehicle.

How to become a mechanic for diesel-powered vehicles

The North American freight transportation industry still depends on diesel-powered vehicles. So do most of our public transportation systems. Our agricultural, construction and mining industries also rely on qualified graduates of mechanic schools to maintain diesel-powered trucks, tractors, etc.
There are different ways to become a diesel mechanic:

• apprentice


• take mechanic training


• take mechanic training with diesel accreditation


• all of the above

How to become a mechanic for the aviation industry

Mechanics who aspire to service aircraft must seek mechanic training from an accredited institution.

How to become a mechanic for race tracks

The pathway to a job as a motor sports mechanic is less clear. Some schools, particularly in the United States, do offer mechanic training specifically for racing, but many motor sports mechanics simply attend regular programs. Regardless of what kind of training you receive, you will likely have to supplement it with an apprenticeship.

How to become a mechanic for electric cars

As mass-market, all-electric cars gain ground in Canada and the United States... As Quebec institutes public charging stations based on models already in use in California and British Columbia... Prospective students of mechanic schools interested in electric vehicle production and repair should ask what schools are doing to accommodate this new reality. Typically, interested students will need to complement conventional programs with some additional training.
How to become a mechanic for specific makes of cars

Aspiring mechanics who would like to specialize in the repair of a certain make of car should follow regular training, and then supplement with a training program offered by the car manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer courses on such topics as:

• electrical systems


• heating, air conditioning and climate control


• handling systems


• airbag safety

How to become a mechanic for motorcycles

Just as with cars, it is possible for mechanics to specialize in a specific make or range of motorcycles. Aspiring mechanics can apprentice, take mechanic training and then take courses directly from the manufacturer of their choice.

As you can see, there is more than one pathway to becoming a mechanic, but, increasingly, mechanic schools are a crucial component of training for this career.

Congratulations! You've always wanted to become a mechanic and now you've graduated from mechanic school. The future is bright... Or it can be, if you take some basic steps to nurture your financial situation from the moment you leave auto mechanic training.

1. Be patient

In today's culture of fast food and instant messaging, we sometimes forget how much work is involved in meeting our most important goals. Don't expect your living conditions to suddenly, magically upgrade the day you graduate from mechanic school. Trust me, your parents' house didn't always look so nice. They built up their wealth over time, and so must you.

2. Spend less than you make

You may not have read much Charles Dickens in mechanic school, but perhaps you should have. Dickens, whose father famously did time in debtor's prison, wrote: "Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pound ought and six, result misery." This is a lesson best learnt before you become a mechanic!

3. Understand how much you make

What is your gross income? Your net? How often are you paid? What tax bracket do you belong to? What are your possibilities for advancement? Start asking questions about your financial position as soon as you leave mechanic school.

4. Negotiate your first salary

Your future raises will be proportional to what you first earn upon graduation from auto mechanic training, so take the time to figure out what a fair wage is for someone who has just become a mechanic.

5. Get into the habit of saving

Who says that all of your pay cheque has to go into your chequing account? Before you leave mechanic school, set up a no-fee, high-interest savings account online. When you finish auto mechanic training and secure your first job, arrange to have a percentage of your pay directly transferred to this account. Out of sight, out of mind. The first goal: build up three to six months' worth of emergency savings to help you survive in the case of job loss or disability.

6. Learn the difference between planned spending and long-term saving

Putting aside money for your first summer vacation after graduating from mechanic school is wise, but it can hardly be called saving for your future. I know that you have only just become a mechanic, but it is time to start planning for your retirement. The earlier you start to save for your retirement, the less you will ultimately have to put in.

Trading in the world of mechanic school to become a mechanic in the working world comes with certain responsibilities. Taking control of your finances now will increase your chances of enjoying a profitable career.

It is essential that by the end of your mechanic apprentice interview you ask the interviewer questions associated with the position that you are trying to fill. When you get asked "Do you have any questions for me?", by no means say no! The manager interviewing you will feel that you aren't that excited about the position and your probability of receiving the apprenticeship drop significantly.

But what is proper to ask?

Steer away from questions about what the company or the shop does. You must have done your study prior to the interview and ought to know the answer to questions like that.

In case you are interviewing for a small auto repair shop then you could ask a specific question about their daily procedures. A question like that may be more acceptable if you direct it exclusively to the shop. Don't ask the interviewer common questions on what they do, you should have a normal idea of what goes on in a car shop and you don't want to look like you did not put any effort into the interview.

A couple of questions that you might consider:

* What characteristics do you look for in an worker?
* What are well-known blunders that you see newbie technicians make frequently?
* What capabilities do you anticipate a mechanic apprentice to have?
* What advice do you have for anyone starting in this occupation?
* What was the most difficult project you ever worked on?
* What is your favorite make/model car to work on and why?
* Which tools do you need a mechanic apprentice to bring with them on the job?

All of those questions are satisfactory and you should only choose 2 to 3 to ask during the interview. You don't want to annoy the interviewer with too many questions because they are taking their time off from work to speak with you.

Bear in mind that when you are preparing for your mechanic apprentice interview, leave this part of your preparation towards the end.

Hold on, I thought you said asking questions is crucial?

The thing with end of interview questions is that they are a requirement to show that you are fully fascinated, but they do not assure you the position. In summary, asking questions will not make you stand out from the crowd (most of the time), but not asking them will have very damaging effects on your chances of receiving an offer.

What you are ultimately targeting for with your questions is to strike up a discussion with the interviewer. Since you know in your mind that the job interview is over then you can calm down and try to connect with the person interviewing you. Striking up a conversation about a shared interest at this stage can really set you apart from other applicants. Of course that is not always easy to achieve but by asking questions you at least have an chance to differentiate yourself.

Finding the right mechanic can be just as important as finding the right dentist or doctor for your family. There are two main things that every person wants in their mechanic - trust and reliability. What you don't want is someone who will take advantage of you every time they get the chance.

How do you go about finding the right mechanic? First, ask your friends and family members. Is there a local mechanic they've had a good experience with? You could also check review sites like Yelp or CitySearch to see what others have thought about their experience.

After you have it narrowed down to a couple "best options," visit the actual repair shop and meet the mechanic. The questions you should ask fall into two different categories - Quality of Work and Cost. If there are other issues that are important to you, be sure to add them to your list. Here's a closer look:

Quality of Work

Are you ASE (Automobile Service Excellence) Certified?
Any reliable mechanic should have this posted somewhere in their garage. If they don't, don't be afraid to ask. Having an ASE Certificate is one reliable indication of quality service, as it means the business has passed an on-site evaluation of their business practices. If the shop isn't ASE-certified, you may want to consider taking your business elsewhere.

Do you specialize in a certain type of car?
Many times, it's obvious before you go into an auto repair shop what they specialize in, as it may state it on their website - or, it may be displayed on a sign out front. If you're not sure, ask the mechanic. They'll usually do their best to let you know if they specialize in a certain type of vehicle. This will also help you learn the repair shop's strengths and weaknesses.

Are your technicians trained on the latest technology?
To go along with the above question, you may also consider asking about the technicians' qualifications and training. Are the technicians trained on the modern technology that's available in newer cars? Are they informed about the latest innovations and features? Above all, make sure the technicians were trained at a trade school or college, instead of no training at all.

What would you do if it was your car?
This question usually catches mechanics off-guard, but provides a lot of insight into their quality of work. If they were telling you the exact things that needed to be done to your car, there's no problem. If they weren't, this question could fluster them a bit. A good mechanic will tell you the truth the first time around - if something doesn't need to be fixed, they'll be honest.

Cost

How do you charge for repairs?
Asking a few questions up front can help save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Find out if the repair shop will provide you with an itemized estimate before performing the repairs. Another thing to ask is if labor rates are charged a flat fee or per hour basis. Finally, find out if the repair shop provides a courtesy shuttle or rental car if your vehicle is in the shop for an extended period of time - not having this can add quite a bit of money to your repair bill.

If there is a problem with my car, can I choose between new or used parts?
Some auto repair shops have relationships with scrap yards or other used car businesses, so you have the option to choose new or used parts if an issue arises. However, which type you use depends on the situation. If the alternative is a brand-new, expensive piece of machinery, but a used one will work just the same, it's nice to have the option. An honest mechanic will be able to help you decide what's right for your situation.

What are your payment policies and guarantees?
Payment plans, guarantees, and labor rates can vary greatly from place to place, so it's smart to check on this before they do any work. Find out if new and used parts are guaranteed by a warranty and if so, what do the warranty terms say? A six-month warranty is great; 90 days is decent, but if it's any lower than that, you may want to consider another option. You can also check out auto buying guides to see what the industry standard is.

Auto mechanics are specially trained individuals in automobile maintenance. They can diagnose and service any type of automobile, and have the certification and training to prove it. Although there is one main automotive organization that evaluates auto mechanic training programs against industry standards, there are several different certifications and skill levels; there is another organization that tests and certifies mechanics based on the industry standards. Most technicians are trained in one of four fields: automotive, auto body, diesel technology, and alternative fuels, and many auto shops will employ their mechanics based on their area of training and certification.

However, specialized certification is not required by law in many jurisdictions. This is why it is important to investigate the auto shop where the vehicle will be serviced. Although there may be a certified mechanic working on the vehicle, they might not have advanced training in making the necessary repairs.

To avoid confusion, and provide the best service possible, some auto shops will focus on one specific type of vehicle service. For instance, some national chains will focus only on oil changes, tire rotations, or tune-ups because these kind of repairs only require minimal skill and training; these chains will often hire employees and train them within. In fact, many vehicle owners have learned to do this type of servicing themselves in order to save money. To insure the servicing is done properly, there is always a certified mechanic working in the shop to double-check the mechanic's work.

These repair outlets tend to be less expensive than the other chains because they save money on wages by having only one certified mechanic, which allows them to pass the savings on to the customer. Other repairs such as brakes, steering and suspension, and the cooling system will require a more knowledgeable technician, and there are reliable auto repair chains that focus on this level of expertise. There are many advantages to visiting one of these trusted national chains instead of an unknown shop.

First, the work performed on the vehicle is guaranteed. These chains have a reputation to uphold, and each shop is required to maintain that reputation by providing the best service. Furthermore, whether or not a particular jurisdiction requires certified mechanics does not matter because there will always be a qualified technician with the specific required training working on the vehicle.

It does not matter whether a vehicle owner chooses a national chain, or an independently owned shop for car repairs. However, it is important to have a certified mechanic to service the vehicle for anything major. If done incorrectly, a small fix can become a big problem, especially if the technician is not properly trained to make those repairs.

Your college years are the perfect time to set about creating the life you want. It is a time to establish routines, determine priorities and set realistic goals.

Take care of yourself

Make sure that when you graduate prospective employers and clients see the healthiest "you" possible:

- hit the gym in the evenings after school

- bring a healthy, homemade lunch to eat in between your mechanic courses

- take care to prevent injury from repetitive movements - ask the teachers at your auto technician training school to share their tips for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain

- form a team with your buddies at mechanic training school - once-a-week Ultimate Frisbee or shinny can help you stay in shape and ensure that you all stay in touch long after your mechanic courses are over

- establish a relationship with a trusted general practitioner

- find a dentist

Friends

Auto technician training is demanding, but don't let it take you away from your friends. Reserve Friday or Saturday nights for your old friends. Sometimes taking a break to refresh ourselves actually helps us advance in our studies faster.

Mechanic training can also be a wonderful time to meet new people. Reach out to your fellow auto technician training students. It may well turn out that they have similar interests to yours.

Hobbies

Don't forget about your hobbies just because mechanic training is demanding. Your hobbies, like your friends, can be what sustains you throughout your career when the going gets tough.

Giving back

While you are pursuing auto technician training is an excellent opportunity to explore volunteer options in your community. Have you considered using your mechanic training to:

- mentor a youth at risk

- help an elderly neighbour maintain their car

- help community organizations sell, pick up or transport donated vehicles

Volunteering can imbue life after mechanic training with meaning.

Plan for the future

Where do you want to be one year after auto technician training?

Five years after auto technician training?

Ten years after?

Set priorities

Figure out what is most important to you right now:

- finding a life partner

- buying a home

- travelling the world

- being near family and friends

- making money

- taking it easy

Your priorities will determine the type of workplace you seek out, whether:

- a pre-existing family owned business

- your own garage

- a major corporation

- an auto technician training school like the one you currently attend

Work-life balance is difficult to achieve. It takes commitment and practice, which is why it is recommended that mechanic training students begin to take positive action while still pursuing mechanic courses.

Having your automobile break down is not an exciting experience but being unsure of where to take your automobile to get it fixed can be worse. Most folks have a regular doctor, dentist, vet, accountant, etc. and usually we have researched and picked them in advance just in case we get sick or need advice...so why don't most folks have a reliable auto repair shop to go to? Automobiles are complicated systems, just like the human body... so it is vital to take your car in to an auto repair facility that you can rely on for regular maintenance.

I'm an eternal optimist and generally assume that auto repair facilities are honest and that most mechanics generally try to help you by recommending services that will keep your vehicle running smoothly and ultimately saving you time and stress by avoiding some major repairs. Again, just like the human body, the better you take care of your vehicle, the better it will perform in the long run.

I've put together a list of 6 tips that will help you find someone that you can trust to keep your automobile in good running order.

1. Look For auto repair shops that display the ASE Certified logo. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Having an ASE designation is just about important as having the letters "MD." after your doctor's name. Now don't get me wrong, there are decent mechanics who aren't ASE certified, but generally it's too risky unless they have been referred by someone you trust. Another important industry designation to look for is NAPA Auto Care.

2. Ask Your Friends or Co-Workers Where They Take Their Vehicle. Word of mouth recommendations are worth their weight in gold.

3. Shop for features and benefits of a shop. Just because a facility may charge a little more than others, might mean that they offer a longer warranty period, free emergency towing, courtesy shuttle service, or extended hours for convenience. Price is not always the best method of decision making.

4. Find Out the Details of Their Warranty. Most car repair shops offer an in house 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on parts and labor. Make sure you understand exactly what it covers and what it doesn't cover. Don't be afraid of asking questions, a reputable facility should have nothing to hide. Top repair facilities will have a nationwide warranty and an in house warranty that will cover more than just the 12 months/12,000 miles.

5. Most Good Mechanics Keep Their Work Area Organized And Clean. Their work area, tools, floor, etc should be reasonably clean. Now Don't Forget that the auto repair business is not generally a super clean industry, but it still should be picked up and organized.

6. Research your Prospective Auto Repair Mechanic. You may find out that they have awards for years of customer satisfaction or many customer complaints. The local Better Business Bureau is a good source for this type of information. A short set of searches online will help you to find out quickly what positive and negatives your local auto repair mechanic is known for.

Researching ahead of time will help make sure that when you need a reliable auto repair facility, you won't be taken advantage of. Finding a good mechanic can be difficult, but it is very important. A trustworthy auto repair shop will go out of their way to make sure you and your car are being well cared for. A little research on your part now will give you peace of mind down the road.

The following is an A-Z auto locksmith glossary of terms that are related to 24-hour auto locksmith services.

Auto- usually used in reference to passenger vehicles that are designed with a diesel or gasoline internal-combustion engine, having four wheels for operation on ordinary roads.

Blade - is the portion of the key that contains the millings and/or cuts.

Cylinder -is an operating unit consisting of tumblers, a cam/tailpiece, springs, plug shell, plug retainer and other operating parts of a lock.

Door Closer- is a device that can be pneumatic or hydraulic, for controlling door closing and keeps it from slamming.

High Security Lock- is a high-quality lock that is designed to give ultimate protection and guard against break-in entry tools and methods.

Ignition- is the process by which fuel in the cylinder is ignited.

Ignition Key- this is the key that activates an automotive engine's ignition switch.

Key- this our every-day metal instrument that is specially cut and designed to fit in a lock and remove its bolt.

Keyless- meaning it requires no key. A keyless system or lock can be operated using codes, or push buttons combinations.

Lock- is a device that is used to fasten, close, hold or secure a door or other device or hardware. It can be operated or opened using a key, keycard, combination or other means.

Lock Change- is to take an existing lock and replace with a new lock.

Lock Installation- is to put a new lock where there was none.

Passage Lock- is used for convenience purposes only and is a simple handle with no locking cylinder.

Pin-is a short, stiff, straight, piece of wire that has a sharp point and a blunt head that is used for fastening.

Rekey- altering the combination of the tumblers in an existing lock, such that the new combination is only opened by a new key and the old key no longer works on the "new" rekeyed lock.

Technician- is a person skilled and trained in the specific technicalities of a subject.

Transponder- is an auto key that has an electronic component that converts signal into electrical current and the key transmits a code that is unique in return. It is also defined as a radar/sonar transceiver or radio transceiver that automatically sends a signal once it receives an incoming signal.

Tumbler- found in locks. Once it is released or lifted by key action it will allow the bolts in the lock to move.

VAT System- was used in autos, especially before the year 2000. VAT is the acronym for 'vehicle anti-theft' and was a security system for the auto.

Taking care of your automobile is important. In order to get by, thousands of Americans rely on motor vehicle transport each and every day. Consequently, auto repair and maintenance becomes a high priority for everyone. If you want to keep your car in excellent working condition, it is wise to adopt a routine maintenance schedule. Plan out which parts of your car you plan on having inspected. In doing so, you can effectively budget your auto maintenance without slipping into debt. Brake repair and inspection should always be a part of your maintenance plan, as they are a vital and important part of your car's safety.

You should get brake inspections done routinely to ensure maximum reliability. Usually, it's suggested to have your brakes inspected at least twice a year. However, if you begin to notice problems or signs of wear, it's important to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible. Don't let a simple trip to the auto-mechanic stop you from keeping you and your family safe. Finding a reliable and consistent mechanic you can trust will make the experience easier. Visiting the same mechanic frequently allows the mechanic to orient himself better with your car, providing more extensive and effective service. However, a trip to the mechanic can be avoided by noticing early signs of deterioration.

There are many common signs of wear that you can detect by yourself. First of all, it's important to pay attention to the brake light on your instrument panel. If this light appears with a red or amber glow, it may indicate problems with your anti-lock braking system. Irritating or scratchy grinding sounds are caused by the failure of your brake pads. These can be easily replaced. A low, spongy pedal is the cause of air located in the car's hydraulic system. If you can pick up on these issues yourself, it will become a lot easier to save time and money by resolving the issue before permanent or more serious damage is done.

If not properly maintained, worn brakes can become a hazardous safety issue. Not only can the failure of your brakes lead to massive damage to your car or truck, it could ultimately be responsible for serious injury. In the event of an emergency stop, the rotors and drums that operate the brake can become over-stressed and break. A failure means you won't be able to stop your car. If a failure occurs during operation of the vehicle, your car is suddenly a hazard to you and everyone else on the road. Don't put yourself in a dangerous situation like this.

Your brakes are one of the most important working parts of your car, and their function is vital to your safety. If they need replacing or maintenance, don't delay in getting them inspected. Responding in time can be the difference between personal injury and preventing an accident. Pay attention to the helpful early prevention methods detailed above in order to detect issues as soon as possible and keep your car in a safe working condition.

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters that we have. It can affect our homes, businesses and cars. Car water damage can be extremely stressful. Your car is a huge investment and this is a big problem.

Whether you have a car that has been infiltrated or are concerned about purchasing water damaged cars, there are many different things that you should consider.

If you have car water damage in your car, you will need to tend to it quickly for best results. If your car is involved in a flood, it may very likely have been submerged. This can affect, not only the cosmetics of your vehicle, but the electronic system, as well.

Even if your car hasn't been submerged there could still be significant damage. If you drive through a flooded area or there is a way for water to enter the engine, this could also cause serious problems. Any large dents in the hood could also be an area for it to enter.

If you have been involved in a flood, first check all of your fluids. If they are an off color, have your vehicle towed to an auto mechanic. Don't drive it! You may cause permanent problems. They will empty the fluids and replace them properly for you.

If you have a newer car, the electrical system may also be involved. If you are in doubt... the dash lights on, running rough etc, tow it to a mechanic. They may need to replace the components.

Your brakes could also be involved. Have them inspected to make sure that they will perform properly. It is possible you may also need to replace them.

If the interior is involved, you will need to clean it well. You can use a wet vac to vacuum most of the water out. If it is soaked, you may find you need to redo the interior due to mold. It is too difficult to dry out the inner seats and many insurance companies will total a car that has interior water damage.

You will need to also check all of the lubricated joints. Most cars are now lubricated at the factory for life, but with flooding, they may have been compromised and will need to be re-lubricated.

If you are purchasing a used car, some states require owners to let the DMV know if it has been involved in a flood. You can also research the VIN number on your own to be sure there hasn't been any car water damage.

I hate to say this but transmission repair shops employ some of the most dishonest practices in the automotive industry. They are able to get away with this for two reasons.

The first reason is for every 50 general automotive mechanic shops there are may be five transmission shops. So supply and demand naturally hires the prices these companies can charge. This is nothing new but some of these transmission companies get outrageous.

Second, unless you are a a specialist in this field you most likely know nothing about transmissions. Any technician can tell you anything and you have no verifiable way of double checking.

Here are some common scams in the transmission repair industry and some common mistakes that customers make:

We need a new transmission a shop will give usually give you two options. They can either install a brand-new transmission, which will cost a lot, or they can install a rebuilt transmission, which will still cost a lot but possibly be half the cost.

You have to understand the dangers in getting a rebuilt transmission. There is a good possibility that these will not be as good as a brand-new transmission or may not last as long. If you're dealing with a reputable shop who has capable employees they can rebuild a long-lasting transmission.

They should also factor work up with some type of warranty. Do not get a rebuilt transmission without a decent warranty of some type. Make sure you get it in writing. There have been many shops who have sold customers rebuild transmissions and they failed within a matter of days or weeks.

Those same customers, of course being irate, came back to the shop only to find that that particular shop would not honor its "verbal" or "implied" guarantee. If you do however agree to a rebuilt transmission please do not come crying to the transmission repair shop when after the warranty you have problems again. He did go the cheapest route and you must understand that it comes with inherent risks.

Beware of transmission shops that have all sorts of low cost transmission maintenance services and specials to get in. Many of the automotive companies or what I like to call "commission fee based shops." The shops pay their employees a small hourly wage but make it so they receive a percentage of their total gross sales.

Avoid these companies at all costs! These transmission repair shops have a system where they trick volumes of people every single day into their place of business with the lower at cheap rates and then convince them into buying services and parts they do not need.

This practice has become standard among many of the big box national chains and quite recently has been adopted by many of the small local ones. If you feel like you're being pressured into buying something you feel you may not need, please, get a second opinion.

I have already touched a little upon the subject but I need to bring up the matter of warranties again. Every warranty and every guarantee needs to be in writing. Do not any transmission repair facility just tell you they back up all their work.

Do not just let them tell you you can bring your car back, and they will fix it for free, if within a couple weeks or months you experience the same problems they were supposed to fix. Every agreement should be in writing including all the terms and conditions.

And speaking of terms and conditions this brings us to the most common scam that most transmission repair facilities do. It is sad that many of these companies resort to what I'm about to say but all you have to do is look online and you will hear hundreds of horror stories.

You're having transmission problems. You go to a local transmission repair shop and get an estimate. The parts and labor cost $1200. It seems fair see make arrangements to leave your vehicle with them for several days.

Within one day you get a call from the transmission shop. They proceed to tell you that the price is going to be more than what was on the estimate. The excuses are more numerous than the sands found on the beach. It could be any excuse from the parts costing more than expected to them not being aware of the certain problem when they first gave you the estimate.

So the result is that the price that was "$1200" is now "$3500."

Now your typical person in this position has two options at this point. He can bite the bullet and pay the $3500, in effect paying $1800 more than what was agreed upon, or he can pick his car up.

Keep in mind that the cars is most likely already torn apart at this point. Here is where shops get even worse. In order for you to pick your car up the transmission shop is still going to charge you a fee for putting your car back together, storage, towing, and trust me they will find other miscellaneous charges to add upon that.

So you end up getting the work done, but in the process getting ripped off, or you're left with the same broken car but you paid 500 bucks just to be able to pick it back up from a shop then attempted to screw you (and they did). It's a no-win.

This is why you should only do business with reputable transmission repair shops. How do you know if the shop is reputable? In this day and age where honesty and honor are as common as black-and-white televisions you must do your homework.

Ask family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances for recommendations. The good transmission repair shops are out there. You just have to find them among the many bad ones.

Once you get a recommendation from someone you know look the shop up on the Better Business Bureau, local websites where people post reviews, and forums. Ask a transmission shop for customer references.

If they are in fact reputable they should be able to produce one or two happy customers you can talk to. A little due diligence goes a long way because once they have your car you are at their mercy.

Hopefully this article will have giving you insight about the tricks transmission repair shops employ to make a quick buck and hopefully you will be able to take this information and benefit from it.

If your car exhaust is smoking when you start your car in the morning it is probably time for a car repair job. However, before you have to take your car to the mechanic to be diagnosed, you may be able to diagnose some possible causes yourself just by the color of the smoke. Your exhaust smoke will either be gray/blue, white or black. And while the exact cause cannot be narrowed down just by the color of the smoke, the possibilities can be.

If your car is smoking gray or blue smoke when you start it up in the morning and the smoke doesn't disappear after the car is warmed up there are a few possible causes. Your engine pistons could be worn and need to be replaced or your engine valve or engine valve seals may be worn and need to be replaced. None of these are do-it-yourself projects, but it should give you a starting place to start looking with your mechanic.

If you have the additional car symptom of burning more oil than normal you will likely notice when your oil is low in between oil changes. You may or may not notice that your engine is a little less powerful as a result. The cause could be your PVC system is not working right and your mechanic will need to replace the PCV valve. It is also a good idea to have your mechanic check your engine compression to determine the condition of your engine.

If your exhaust is blowing white smoke or water vapor, do not be alarmed as that is normal in cold weather, but it should not continue as the car warms up. If it continues to smoke when the car is warm it may be time to trouble shoot. It is possible your transmission fluid is entering the valve intake manifold through the vacuum modulator, which means the vacuum modulator will need to be replaced. Another possibility is the cycle head gasket is cracked or worn and will need to be replaced or resurfaced. Finally you could have a cracked engine block that needs to be replaced.

Black smoke may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms like a rough running engine or an engine that misfires. Check your carburetor choke to see if it is closed and needs replacement. It could also be a leaky fuel injector that needs to be replaced or something as easy as a dirty air filter that needs to be changed out. Finally your mechanic can check to see if your distributor cap and rotor ignition module are bad and need to be replaced.

This gives you a good guide to help you understand what car repair you may be looking at and, it will help your mechanic know where to start looking for your problem if he knows what color of smoke your are seeing.

Today, in this article I would like to talk about car key programmers. They are widely used in cars for it can work easily without being connected to a PC. This feature enables the repair men and technicians to take the vehicle easily. The AD 90 key duplicator has been especially designed to be compatible with various types of transponder car keys. This car key programmer can easily update softwares from the internet. It can also identify and copy any type the transponder code. It is composed of the latest electronic components in the field of radio frequencies. Hence, it can easily identify cryptographic transponder codes.

AD90 is a powerful car key programmer. It has been developed in such a way that it can always keep itself updated with the future developments taking place in the technology of transponders. This indeed is a very unique feature. This makes AD90 one of the best car key programmers of the future. It can be used with the chip decoder system. It can identify, read, and clone Texas, Philips, Temic and Megamos transponders. It is available online for $151.87 approximately. You can also check it out in local automobile stores. You can search for it online too. Moreover, you can compare it with several other car programmer keys before making the purchase. You can read the reviews before proceeding to buy it.

Another key programmer worth trying is the HITAG-2 key tool kit. It is designed to fit various brands of cars. It works well with most of the cars like Audi A8, Land Rover, Bentley Continental, Porsche etc. With the help of this programming device you can read and program the internal key memory of the car. It is very simple to use. All you need to do is to first clear your immobilizer. Next, put your transponder or the new key on the programmer. You will instantly get a new key generated. This programmer is fast, accurate, and will cost you $76.12 approximately.

I would also like to recommend the Transponder Key Programmer as I find it really simple yet effective. It can automatically read, write, and identify various keys from different auto chips. It is also compatible with 93, 11, 73, 13, 53, 33, and 4C keys. Encryption for T5 keys can also be performed by it. It does not need any sort of adaptation as it can directly start the engine. This indeed is a special feature.

It is not a bad idea to try one of these car key programmers especially the universal AD90 programmer.

The discovery of light emitting diodes (LED) has really helped to enhance lighting systems in homes and offices. Today, this innovative technology has been extended to automobiles as the use of car LED lamps is being adopted for many vehicles. Here are some reasons why they have been considered as good alternatives to other kinds of car lighting.

In simple terms, a LED is a solid state device; it is typically a semi-conductor which produces glow on the passage of electric current through it. In comparison to incandescent or halogen bulbs, car LED lamps consume low energy, thus ensuring longer battery life for your car. For instance, your car battery won't run flat if you mistakenly leave the headlamps on. It's been found out that light emitting diodes can last long for about 10 years. Also, they instantly reach their highest level of brightness when you switch them on.

Furthermore, LEDs have proven to help in reducing the chances of road accidents. For instance, the use of Daylight Running Lamps (DRL) is already legislated in some parts of Europe with a view to improving on road safety during the hours of the day. As a result, latest passenger vehicles are fitted with DRLs which have LED functionality.

These days, you would find out that both new and several old car models have opted for these retro-fit DRLs since the vehicle owners like the functional, the aesthetic as well as the stylish benefits that bright white car LED lamps usually offer to a car. In addition, because of the technicalities involved in many car lighting systems, it often costs more money to have a bulb changed in your car through the help of an auto mechanic. On the other hand, if your car has LED lamps, you can be able to change them as at when necessary.

Similarly, a number of fleet owners now opt for light emitting diodes as an efficient alternative to save money that may arise from frequent flat batteries or the need to change lamps frequently due to burn-outs. Therefore, LEDs are far better than the traditional incandescent car lamps.

In recent times, as the popularity of LED bulbs gains a tremendous increase, there has been a drastic drop in their prices. They are quite affordable for all motorists. Besides, there has been a significant improvement in the solid state technology being used to produce them.

In all, vehicle owners can now make use of this low-cost lighting option which offers efficiency in energy consumption and increased visibility. Owing to the advantages of light emitting diodes, many car owners can now boast of an improved motoring experience in both day and night times. Indeed, it's becoming clear that car LED lamps will become the industrial standards for automobiles in the nearest future.

Many motorists think only of the gas in their fuel tank as the essential ingredient to propel their car, truck or Sports Utility SUV Vehicle down the road or highway providing them with hopefully reliable transportation. Yet electricity is one of the three things essential and necessary to allow cars - your car - to "run". Actual electric energy from the storage battery under your automobile's "hood" turns an actual electric motor referred to in the auto mechanical and repair trades as the "starter". The starter (motor) in turn starts the engine, by turning it through the four "cycles" of gasoline engine. Yet the battery (properly called "storage battery") also provides for the electric spark and sparking necessary to ignite the gasoline / air mixture in the cylinders. Yet where does the electric power stored in your battery power reservoir come from and how can it be run down or depleted?

Your Autos Electrical System - Power is Stored in the Battery:

The electrical system on board your automobile gets power from that battery, which in turn is charged or recharged by the alternator (essentially a newer form of electrical generator) while the engine is turning over. If your starter motor sounds sluggish (RR rrrr and hardly turns over), your headlights brighten perceptibly when your power plant is raced, or in a worst case if your engine will not turn over when you flip your key and activate the starter motor itself you may well be in trouble. At the best your battery will need charging. At the worst your battery may have seen the end of its functional life - or in the case of a cold Canadian prairie winter may be frozen solid and also may need replacing.

Battery Replacement - First Have it Fully & Properly Tested Before Replacement:

What to do if your battery needs a replacement or is at the end of its service interval? First have a proper diagnosis and test - not just a say so of some unqualified backyard mechanic. Big box auto stores and your local auto garage can have their technician or auto mechanic give an accurate quick test in short order. If the battery does need replacement and not just a simple charge up there are several options and routes. If the unit is still on warranty scout out a dealer selling that brand for a pro-rated warranty. You will be charged a "pro-rated" share of the cost of a new battery, depending on how many months you have driven that battery since purchase date. Think of it as similar to cell phone you upgrade or replace on a full service contract before its time is up. Secondly if the battery is past its warranty coverage you can simply purchase a replacement. Battery replacement is per capacity and to some degree battery installation size area - that is where the battery actually fits. Cranking capacity is a determinant - not only what the minimum capacity the starter motor and car requires, but also worst case climate concerns. Electrical power generation ( to power starter motors and driving) is essentially a chemical process. A battery in a very cold winter time climate only holds tiny percentage of its charge and power than during the hot summer time. Hence think of worst case scenario rather than just getting by. Penny wise and pound foolish is not a wise route. You will spend more more on one cold winter start and perhaps a tow to your auto dealership than an initial cost saving on less expensive ( and cold winter cranking rated ) battery. However if its only summer driving or you intend to sell or trade in said vehicle before the winter season - a smaller less expensive unit may do just fine.

Car & Truck Battery Care & Routine Maintenance is Key:

Lastly maintain your battery. Have it inspected and battery terminals cleaned and inspected on regular auto maintenance driving schedule by fully qualified auto repair staff. This is your best and most economical choice both from a viewpoint of your auto maintenance budget as well as for safe and reliable transportation. Its as simple as that.